Expert: Paula Damgaard - 12/30/2005

Question
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Followup To
Paula, thank you for your quick response. She is only on Nemanda (sp) and Aricept.  I will discuss with her dr. about antidepressants.  Are we doing right by forcing her out of bed?
Thanks again,
Mary Frances


Question -
Hi, My daughter and I are caring for my mom (88) since Friday.  She has alzheimers.  All she wants to do is sleep.  We have difficulty getting her out of bed and trying to get her to eat.  All she wants to do is die. She said she lived long enough.  I need to know if we are doing right by trying to force her to do things or just let her stay in bed and starve.  This is so painful for the both of us.  We hate having to argue just to get her up, dressed and fed.  She is able attend to her personal needs when we can get her out of bed.  Please help us. Thanks.
Answer -
Dear Mary Frances, it sounds as though your mom is depressed.  Is she on any antidepressants?  If not or if so then maybe the dose needs to be adjusted or she needs to be put on some.  

I think that should help in getting her up and going.  Depression is a major part of dementia and not treated often enough.  If her doctor won't treat her then get another one.  

Let me know how it works out.  Good luck Paula

ps: once she starts/or increases the dose it can take up to four weeks to make a real difference.

Answer
At this point I think yes, especially if she is really depressed.  If she is still able to do all of her personal care otherwise and still knows everyone then I imagine it is depression, and she should be up and about.  

If the antidepressants don't do anything (sometimes you need to try a couple to see if it has an effect), then maybe she is ready to go.  But give her the benefit of the doubt and get the antidepressants a try.  

Good luck and be forceful with her doctor if  you need to!  Happy New Year. Paula